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Bahrain jewellers demand more security

Manama, January 30, 2012

Jewellery traders want security stepped up in the Manama suq to win back the confidence of shoppers.

More police, additional security cameras and tougher action against illegal vendors were among suggestions put to Captain Jamal Al Dalhan, from Naim Police Station, during a meeting of struggling businesses at the Gold Suq on Sunday.

"There is a political problem in Bahrain and we are aware the government is dealing with it," said Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry gold and pearl jewellery committee chairman Mohammed Sajid Shaikh after the meeting.

"But there are issues which, if resolved, will help us considerably," he pointed out.

He revealed that when authorities raided illegal vendors, there was normally a chase that caused panic throughout the area. "When they run, there are immediately rumours of rioting in the area," said Shaikh.

"This forces all shopkeepers to down their shutters and whatever few customers we have also leave," he added.

He said an increased police presence in the area would put shoppers at ease, while jeweller Jaleel Malik suggested more security cameras were vital. "There is only one camera, which is not enough," he said.

Another jeweller, Mukesh Chagganlal, suggested riot police should be permanently stationed in the area.

"They should have a permanent presence because ordinary policemen cannot handle certain situations," he said.

Jeweller Abdul Shaheed, who has five shops in the area and has been a Gold Suq tenant since it opened in 1981, said he had never felt so insecure.

"The situation is bad, but I feel we are being ignored," he complained. "We need help: more security, more incentives and more sensitivity from the government," he added.

Capt Al Dalhan assured traders their complaints and observations would be communicated to his superiors.

However, he also encouraged traders to invest in their own security systems inside the building to enhance security.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | Security | Jewellers |

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